In First Call, Nepal Interim PM Tells Indian PM That Elections Are ‘Topmost Priority’
New Delhi: Less than a week into her tenure, Nepal’s interim prime minister Sushila Karki held a conversation with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making him the first foreign leader to speak with her directly, and told him that holding elections will remain her “topmost priority”.
Karki, a former chief justice and Nepal’s first woman to head the government, took oath on September 12 after youth-led protests forced the resignation of K.P. Sharma Oli and toppled his powerful coalition.
On Karki's recommendation, President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the 275-member House of Representatives, with fresh elections now scheduled for March 6, 2026.
In a post on X, Modi said he had a “warm conversation” with Karki, offering condolences over the “tragic loss of lives” during the violent demonstrations that left at least 72 people dead.
He added that he had “reaffirmed India’s steadfast support for her efforts to restore peace and stability”, while also extending greetings to Nepal on the eve of its National Day.
In a separate readout, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Modi congratulated Karki on her “historic appointment” as Nepal’s first female prime minister and assured “full support and cooperation” for the priorities of her government.
Karki, in turn, conveyed greetings on Modi’s 75th birthday. She emphasised that, in response to the ‘Gen-Z’ movement, elections would remain her “topmost priority”, alongside a pledge for “accountable, responsive and corruption-free governance”.
She also stressed that Nepal-India ties, rooted in shared history and people-to-people connections, would continue to deepen, the ministry said.
Earlier, India was quick to welcome the formation of an interim government led by Karki immediately after her oath-taking ceremony, stating that it hoped the move would “foster peace and stability in Nepal”.
“As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement last week.
Indian ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava was present at Karki’s swearing-in, as were the envoys of China and several European countries. He also called on the interim Nepali leader on Tuesday.
Separately on Thursday, Karki also met Chinese ambassador Chen Song, who paid a courtesy call at her office.
Nepal’s foreign ministry said Chen conveyed Beijing’s congratulations on her appointment, stressed that China respects the political and developmental path chosen by the Nepali people, and assured continued support for Nepal’s aspirations of development and prosperity.
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